Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Healthcare Support Worker
The closing date is 07 April 2026
Pre Operative Assessment Senior Healthcare Support Workers (SHCSWs) support registered practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate health and social care to people. Senior Healthcare Support Workers carry out a range of clinical and non‑clinical healthcare or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the registered healthcare practitioner.
The post holder will work as a member of the Pre‑operative assessment team in the delivery and efficient running of Preoperativeassessment clinics. The post holder will assist and support other team members in delivering high standards of patient care prior to elective surgery. Whilst working under the supervision of a registered nurse and in accordance with the needs of the department, the post holder will have flexibility to meet service needs following induction and required training.
Under current Home Office Immigration Rules, this role does not meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria and the position is not therefore eligible for skilled worker sponsorship. Applications from candidates that require skilled worker sponsorship will NOT be shortlisted, excluding NHS service holders eligible top of NHS Band 3)
Main duties of the job
The postholder will deliver high-quality, safe and compassionate care under the supervision of registered staff, carrying out a range of clinical and personal care duties in line with NVQ Level 3 competencies.
Responsibilities include undertaking venepuncture, ECGs, clinical observations (TPR, BP, oxygen saturation, blood glucose, peak flow), height, weight and BMI measurements, and accurately documenting and reporting abnormal findings.
They will perform urinalysis, collect and prepare specimens, support with aseptic techniques for simple wound care, and safely manage and dispose of bodily fluids following infection control policies.
The role involves assisting patients with all aspects of daily living including toileting, moving and handling, maintaining dignity and safety at all times.
The postholder will help Registered Nurses in assessing patients, implementing care plans, and identifying risks using Trust assessment tools such as skin integrity, falls, nutrition and manual handling. They will recognise changes in condition, initiate basic life support, request support in emergencies, and transport blood products when required.
They will contribute to maintaining cleanliness of the department, support skin integrity care, initiate referrals within protocol, and liaise with therapy teams regarding discharge needs.
About us
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust (RJAH) is one of the leading orthopaedic hospitals in the country, with some of the highest levels of staff and patient satisfaction, as well as a strong reputation for research and innovation.
In the National Staff Survey, 74% of our staff would recommend the Trust as a place to work and 92% would recommend the hospital to a friend or relative for treatment.
Joining RJAH is more than just a job - we want our people to have the best opportunities to thrive in their role. We have a range of fantastic staff benefits on offer to everyone who joins RJAH and you'll have access to outstanding professional development opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities.
RJAH has strong links with a range of universities including Staffordshire, Keele, Glyndwr, Chester and Birmingham. The hospital is located on a site outside Oswestry in Oswestry, just off the A5. The nearest train station is in Gobowen, approximately two miles from the hospital. The station is part of the Chester to Birmingham line. We are based in North Shropshire, close to the border with North and Mid Wales. It is one of the most attractive parts of the country, with a rich historic culture and excellent transport links. It offers outstanding opportunities for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle or is looking to raise a family.
Job responsibilities
As a Senior Health Care Support Worker (Band 3), you will play a key role in delivering high quality, compassionate care under the direction of registered practitioners. Your responsibilities will include: Patient Care & Support - Provide person‑centred care that upholds dignity, respect, empathy, and compassion. - Support patients, families and carers throughout their care journey, offering information and promoting health and wellbeing. - Recognise changes in patient wellbeing and escalate concerns appropriately. - Carry out routine delegated clinical tasks such as observations (BP, pulse, temperature), blood glucose monitoring, urinalysis, wound checks, simple dressings, venepuncture, and removal of peripheral cannula/catheters (where trained). Clinical Duties & Professional Practice - Work within defined procedures, protocols and care plans. - Maintain accurate and timely patient records using written and digital systems. - Safely use and maintain clinical equipment, ensuring appropriate demonstration and guidance for patients and carers. - Recognise and respond to emergency situations within the limits of competence. Communication & Teamwork - Communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues using verbal, non‑verbal and written communication. - Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to coordinated care. - Support new starters, apprentices, students and junior staff through supervision and demonstrating duties. Safety, Quality & Compliance - Maintain a safe, clean and inclusive environment, adhering to infection control, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection standards. - Identify and report risks, incidents or concerns promptly. - Uphold the Trusts values and NHS Constitution behaviours at all times. Service Improvement & Development - Participate in audits, service evaluation and quality improvement activities. - Contribute to research and evidence‑based practice under guidance. - Take responsibility for your own learning, development and wellbeing, including participation in appraisal and personal development planning.
Person Specification
Qulifications
* RQF Level 3 qualifications or demonstrated ability and commitment to achieve a relevant level 3 qualification.
* Level 2 Functional Skills. Competency based development and other role specific local training Nationally available online learning
* Care Certificate
Experience
* Experience in health and/or social care settings, such as employment, work experience, volunteering or placement(s)
Skills and Competencies
* Good interpersonal and communication skills. Written, oral and electronic.
* Able to work on own initiative and under pressure. Able to work within a multidisciplinary team.
* Able to prioritise and organise work. Able to work under instruction.
* Physical ability to undertake demanding moving and handling tasks.
* Able to undertake a limited range of delegated clinical duties e.g. Recording patient observations, that include, taking blood pressure, pulse, temperature, blood glucose monitoring, urinalysis,.
* Observing patients for signs of agitation or distress, wound observation and simple wound dressings, Venepuncture, removal of peripheral cannula and removal of catheter. [Specific delegated clinical duties relevant to department/ service are agreed locally and training delivered as part of induction].
Knowledge
* Knowledge of personal care and related procedures, vocational qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
Personal Qualities. The NHS & Trust Values
* Demonstrates the values of the NHS and commitment to personal and professional development. Willingness to undertake new skills.
* Friendly - patients, colleagues, public are always put at ease and made welcome
* Excellence - ensure the care we deliver has great outcomes for patients
* Caring - put the patient first and be considerate of their needs
* Professional - apply high professional standards to your role
* Respect - for patients and each other Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and to adapt communication style to circumstances. Able to manage stress in themselves and others. Able to offer support at times of emotional distress
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata
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